What cats really think when you hug and kiss them

While it can be tempting to shower our beloved pets with kisses and cuddles to express our affection, many owners may wonder whether their cats truly understand what we mean when we do so.

Although cats and humans share certain traits and have developed various ways of communicating emotions, things can still get lost in translation if you’re not familiar with the telltale signs. Many cat owners feel the urge to kiss and hug their pets as a display of love, but you may be surprised to discover that this is a behaviour your feline friend has most likely picked up from you.

In a recent TikTok video, cat food brand Whiskas captured a heartwarming moment in which a woman stands before her cat, who promptly stretches up and places its paws on her chest, prompting her to begin stroking the animal. The cat then edges even closer, affectionately bumping its head against the woman, who continues to fuss over her beloved companion.

“If your cat hugs you with both paws, it’s likely a trait they’ve learned from you,” the overlay text of the video read.

This is just one of numerous ways cats may replicate behaviours they’ve observed from their human companions. Such habits can range from mirroring your daily routine and sleeping patterns to copying vocalisations and postures.

Scientific research further suggests that this behaviour is a telling sign of deep affection, comfort, and a remarkably adaptable mind. Yet even if cats display these traits towards humans, does this necessarily mean they enjoy being hugged and kissed, as these are the most common physical ways people express affection towards one another?

Do cats like to be hugged?

Most cat owners will be well aware that cats frequently have a mind of their own, and that it can prove rather difficult to make them do anything, or force them into being affectionate.

This is largely because they are naturally solitary hunters, and being tightly restrained or lifted off the ground can leave them feeling trapped or anxious.

However, according to the website Catster, each cat will most likely respond differently to being hugged by a human. They said: “Many Life enjoy being hugged and may return the hug with other signs of affection, like purring, licking, and snuggling.

They added: “Some breeds, like the laid-back Scottish Fold, loving Ragdoll, and heat-seeking Sphynx, may be more likely to enjoy a cat hug than others. Even within these breeds, each cat is an individual, so don’t expect the breed to be the only factor determining if your cat likes hugs.”

But just because your cat doesn’t like hugs, it doesn’t mean that they don’t like or love you as their owner. It just means that they show their affection in a different way than human do, and might simply prefer to remain in their own space.

Instead, other ways you can show your cat affection and love could include focusing on their unique “love languages” rather than traditional human affection.

This can include slowly blinking at your cat, as this is the equivalent of a ‘kitty kiss’ and shows them you love them in ‘their language’.

Offering your finger for your cat to sniff or gently touching noses is another option, allowing them to mark you as part of their territory. Running a brush through your cat’s coat replicates the mutual grooming behaviour that cats use to bond in the wild, and a gentle daily brushing session will not only keep them feeling their best but also deepen the connection between you both.